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Passport versus Miller 180?

12-24-2007, 01:03 AM

I currently have a Miller 135 and would like to bump up to a 180 Welder. Is the passport built as well as the Miller 180? I am thinking about getting the passport and selling my Miller 135. And what is a stronger weld, hard wire or flux core wire?

I was also looking at the Passport.... don't get me wrong it is a strong performer and the plus now has the spool gun option,but as was brought to my attention if you don't need the portability it is worth the extra $$.....
Mike

George W. Bush was saving your butt whether you liked it or not!
Fear is temporary, regret is forever
HH210 with SG

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I just recently bought a MM180. I looked long and hard at the passport. Boiled down to "portability". Yea, I need, just not very often, in fact rarely. And I cannot justify the added $$ for it. I also like the larger gas tank for the MM180.

Comment

I just recently bought a MM180. I looked long and hard at the passport. Boiled down to "portability". Yea, I need, just not very often, in fact rarely. And I cannot justify the added $$ for it. I also like the larger gas tank for the MM180.

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I have both, but if I could only have one, it would definitely be the Passport, for 3 reasons. 1. The Passport runs on 110 or 220. This is a tremendous advantage. 2. The Passport is rated for 3/8" vs 5/16" for the 180. 3. The Passport has a setting for stainless, which is a big deal whether you ever leave the shop or not.

I do a fair amount of onsite work and the versatilty and portability has paid for itself many times over. I use the smaller 20 cf bottles (75/25, co2 and tri-mix) so weight is no big deal.

Comment

im considering buying a welder for the home shop what would be a good model i only have110v outlets for now one day ill get bigger service but i just want a welder to do light stuff light fab work and repair , probablky use it maybe 12 hours a week for doing just hobby stuff at home.

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if you have the $$ the passport would have the 240V option for later when you get it.
if $$ is a big concern grab a HH140 from TSC, some one sells referbs but i cant remember who at the moment

thanks for the help
......or..........
hope i helped
sigpic feel free to shoot me an e-mail direct i have time to chat.james@newyorkmetalart.comsummer is here, plant a tree. if you don't have space or time to plant one sponsor some one else to plant one for you. a tree is an investment in our planet, help it out.
JAMES

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When I got back into welding I started with the Miller 135, then I got a deal on a 175 from a friend. It work good, no complants, Then I started getting picky at what I was doing and did not like cleaning up spatter. I herd about the passport from my welding supplier, tryed it there and was blown away on the welds and the clean welds (no spater). I was sold and drooling the hole way. I brought my Miller 175 in and said to sell it and get the most you can. sold in 4 days and drove home with the passport...... Best investment I did.

My welding inprooved by 200%. No joking.

Well worth the price. Now I see the passport plus and it is the same price. It is ok, I do not do Alum. anyway at this time.

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I also use my passport portable on the back of my ATV on the farm with a 5500 Generator on a small trailer I use behind the ATV. I like the portable Co2 bottles on board. I just emted my bottle on Monday, I am going to get a backup now.
I like the 110/220 also.

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Anyone have any experience with the Hobart Handler 210? The extra 40 amps over the 180 would seem to make it a better deal in a small machine? Any thoughts with the Handler 210? How are the drive systems on the Hobart compare to the Millers? Thanks......

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After a lot of reading I am going to purchase the Miller Passport Plus from my local Miller shop. But I do have a few question for the guys who own a Passport. How durable are the case on the Passport? And how does the drive system compare to the Miller 180?